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  • Engineering Growth: From Feedback to Promotion

    Engineering Growth: From Feedback to Promotion
    2025/04/16
    Episode at a Glance[01:10] – Our take on titles: It’s about impact, not labels[03:00] – The power of feedback: A 30% promotion boost[05:06] – KPIs and timelines: Clarity over subjectivity[10:32] – The PE reality: Milestone, not magic[13:00] – Advice for young engineers: Advocate for yourself[19:34] – Pitfalls: Don’t just show up—be proactive[24:42] – Wrap-up: Start with a conversationKey Takeaways* Feedback Fuels Growth: You’re 30% more likely to get promoted with regular feedback. Ask your manager what’s working and what isn’t—monthly.* KPIs Need Clarity: Know the expectations for the next level. Aim to hit most, not all, and get opportunities to prove yourself.* PE Isn’t a Magic Wand: It’s a milestone, not a promotion. Embrace the responsibility to show you’re ready for more.* Avoid the Bubble: Don’t just show up—go the extra mile, be visible, and set realistic expectations.Hey everyone! In today's episode, we're diving into something that's close to my heart - engineering promotions. This isn't just about getting a fancy new title or a bigger paycheck. It's about growing as a professional and making a real impact in our field.The Game-Changer: Feedback That Gets ResultsLet me share something powerful with you: you're 30% more likely to get promoted if you actively seek feedback. As my friend Nicolai puts it, "You don't need to be perfect to get promoted." It's all about showing you're ready to take on bigger responsibilities.Look, I get it. As engineers, we often hesitate to ask for feedback. We're perfectionists by nature, and nobody likes having their work questioned. But here's what I've learned: it's not about being perfect - it's about progress. Feedback helps you understand where you stand and where you're heading.Making Sense of KPIsLet's talk about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Nicolai has a great approach with his team. He tells them: "Here are the tasks for the next level - what can you start doing now?" I love how practical this is - you don't need to hit every single target, just show you're ready for more responsibility.I'll be honest with you - my journey hasn't always been smooth sailing. In previous roles, I felt like I wasn't getting opportunities to develop new skills. But now at Jacobs, seven months in, I have a clear roadmap. My supervisor has laid out exactly what I need: diversify my projects and strengthen my technical foundation. That clarity makes all the difference.The PE License Reality CheckGetting my PE was a huge milestone, but let me tell you - it's not a golden ticket. When Nicolai shared how his new boss barely acknowledged his PE, I felt that. When I passed mine, I recorded an episode saying something that really resonated with our listeners: "Pass or not, I became a better engineer just by studying."Here's the truth: your PE license doesn't automatically make you a project manager. You're still you the day after you pass. As Nicolai wisely points out, "Until you can win projects and put your name on a proposal, you're not a true project manager." It's about what you do with that credential that matters.Common Pitfalls to Watch Out ForNicolai shared three key insights from his team experiences.First, just showing up isn't enough. As he says, "I've never met somebody who becomes an expert in a 40-hour week." The best engineers - like those OpenRoads wizards - invest extra time learning and growing.Second, don't assume people notice your hard work. Nicolai told me about a young engineer burning out because nobody noticed their late nights. The lesson? Speak up! I learned this one the hard way - being quiet about your efforts doesn't help anyone.Third, keep your expectations in check. While Nicolai loves his team's enthusiasm, he warns against expecting too much too soon. A PE doesn't instantly make you a project manager. You need to understand what it really takes to advance.Your Next StepsHere's what I want you to take away: promotions start with you. Nicolai put it perfectly: "Reach out to your supervisor and share your aspirations." When I started at Jacobs, my manager and I had a great conversation about my path to becoming a task leader. That chat gave me more than goals - it gave me direction. If you're feeling stuck or unsure, speak up. You can't control your manager, but you can control your voice.This conversation energized me, and we've only scratched the surface! We'll definitely revisit promotions soon to talk more about timelines, networking, and skill-building. For now, remember: advocate for yourself, seek feedback, and focus on the growth that makes you promotion-ready. Keep engineering your future! Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    29 分
  • Morning Routine for Mental Health: Practices to Start Your Day Right

    Morning Routine for Mental Health: Practices to Start Your Day Right
    2025/03/26
    In this enlightening episode of the Engineering Our Future Podcast, my co-host Nicolai Oliden and I explore the science and methodology behind effective morning routines, with a special focus on how they can enhance productivity and mental clarity for engineering professionals.Our Morning RoutinesNicolai starts his day early with his wife, dedicating 15 minutes to coffee and planning. He systematically reviews his daily objectives, showing how even busy engineers can maintain effective morning practices. I think this is crucial step that I often miss - taking 5 minutes to plan.As for me, I start my day at 4 AM. My routine focuses on two main components: physical activity in the form of a 60-minute workout, followed by mental preparation through reading and prayer. This approach keeps both my body and mind operating at peak efficiency.We draw inspiration from James Clear's "Atomic Habits" to discuss habit formation. Nicolai and I emphasize the importance of "trigger events" - like having a glass of water as the first action of the day. We've developed what we call "recursive habit stacking," where each completed action naturally leads to the next, creating a smooth flow of productive behaviors."A thoughtful exploration of how habit formation and preparation can lead to success, both personally and professionally."Making It WorkLike any good engineering solution, we understand that morning routines need flexibility. We discuss how to handle various disruptions, from unexpected work calls to family commitments, while maintaining the core elements of the routine.I've found that documenting my routine helps tremendously with consistency. For example, I time-block specific activities (morning hydration, meditation) and regularly review and optimize this schedule. This systematic approach allows for continuous improvement, much like how we refine our engineering processes.Our methodology builds upon Hal Elrod's "The Miracle Morning" framework, which we've adapted specifically for engineering professionals. We focus on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement, applying the same analytical mindset we use in our engineering work.Through our discussion, we emphasize that successful morning routines need proper preparation, including evening setup and strategic planning. We've designed our approach to be both robust and flexible, making it suitable for engineers across different disciplines and work schedules.Timeline (YouTube Chapters) * 00:00:00 - Introduction* 00:00:57 - Nicolai’s Current Morning Routine* 00:02:18 - Luis’s Current Morning Routine* 00:07:13 - Benefits of Morning Routines* 00:09:51 - Tips for Starting a Routine* 00:11:28 - Using Prompts and Habit Stacking* 00:15:25 - Handling Disruptions* 00:17:01 - Writing Down Your Routine* 00:20:05 - The Miracle Morning Book* 00:23:11 - Closing RemarksLessons and Takeaways* Start your day with a clear plan by dedicating 5-15 minutes each morning to reviewing your goals and objectives.* Incorporate physical activity and mental preparation into your morning routine to boost productivity and mental clarity.* Use "trigger events" and habit stacking to create a seamless flow of productive actions every morning.* Document and time-block your morning routine to ensure consistency and allow for continuous improvement.* Prepare the night before by setting up your environment and planning strategically to make your mornings more effective.Links and References* Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod* Atomic Habits by James Clear Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    24 分
  • The Planner Paradox: Paper, Pixels, and the Pursuit of Purpose

    The Planner Paradox: Paper, Pixels, and the Pursuit of Purpose
    2025/03/05

    In this episode of Engineering Our Future, Nicolai and I dig into the planner debate: physical versus digital. We share what works for us, the pros and cons of each, and how we make them play nice together. Whether you’re a paper purist or a digital disciple, you’ll find something to chew on here.

    Key Takeaways

    * Physical Planners: Boost focus, memory, and mindfulness. They’re distraction-free and force you to face your limits.

    * Digital Planners: Offer flexibility, collaboration, and long-term tracking. Perfect for team projects and big-picture goals.

    * The Hybrid Hack: Use digital for the macro (calendars, deadlines) and physical for the micro (daily tasks, notes). Balance is king.

    Timestamps

    * [00:00] – Welcome: Why planners matter for engineers

    * [02:06] – Why plan? Setting goals beats winging it

    * [03:43] – Paper’s perks: Mindfulness, memory, and finite space

    * [07:19] – Digital’s strengths: Calendars, collaboration, and flexibility

    * [14:43] – Our systems: How we mix paper and pixels

    * [26:07] – Bullet Journal 101: My go-to method

    * [29:02] – Final thoughts: Find your fit

    Resources Mentioned

    * Bullet Journal Method – A simple system for organizing tasks and notes

    * Notion – My digital hub for projects and podcast planning

    * OneNote – Nicolai’s note-taking powerhouse

    * Microsoft Teams – Collaboration made easy

    * Trello & Asana – Project management tools worth a look

    Listener Challenge

    Pick one: Try a physical planner for a week or test a new digital tool. See what sticks. Share your thoughts with us on social media.

    Stay Connected

    * Newsletter: Get weekly tips, ideas, and updates at luisfelippeduque.com/newsletter.

    * Coaching: Need help navigating your career? Check out luisfelippeduque.com/coaching.

    * Rate & Review: Help us grow on Apple Podcasts—your feedback fuels the show.



    Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    33 分
  • The Art of Journaling: Lessons from Engineers on Managing Information in a Digital Age

    The Art of Journaling: Lessons from Engineers on Managing Information in a Digital Age
    2025/02/27

    ## What’s Inside This Episode

    - Your Planning System Needs to Grow Up Too Luis and Nicolai get real about how their planning habits have evolved—and why sticking to one rigid method might be holding you back.

    - Paper vs. Digital: The Ultimate Showdown Handwriting for brainpower (Nicolai's nostalgic for it) or digital for efficiency (Luis is Team Notion)? They break down the pros, cons, and why you don’t have to pick a side.

    - The “Home Base” Game-Changer Tired of losing that one critical note? They’ll convince you to set up a central hub for all your project info.

    - Journaling 101: Start Small, Win Big New to journaling? Five minutes a day is all it takes—Luis and Nicolai share how to build the habit without losing your mind.

    - Never Repeat Dumb Questions A slick trick to track your questions and lessons learned. It’s so simple you’ll wish you’d started years ago.

    # Timestamps

    00:00 – Engineering journaling. 00:30 – Planning habits over time 02:30 – Paper vs. digital. Quick pros and cons. 05:00 – Our tools (Notion, OneNote) 08:00 – Central hub for notes 11:00 – Journaling for beginners. Easy starting tips. 14:00 – Track questions & lessons. Build your knowledge base. 17:00 – Find your system 20:00 – Journaling benefits 23:00 – Wrap-up & connect

    ## Why You Should Listen

    This isn’t just another productivity rant. Luis and Nicolai bring their engineering street cred to the table, sharing real-world stories and practical tips you can steal today. From juggling complex projects to figuring out what tool fits your vibe, they’ve got your back. Plus, they’re hilarious about it—think less lecture, more “chat with your smart engineer buddies.”

    ## Let’s Talk About

    It What’s your secret weapon for staying organized? Are you scribbling in a Moleskine, tapping away in Trello, or just winging it with Post-its? Hit the comments and tell us—what works for you? We’re dying to know!



    Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    25 分
  • Stop Burning Out!

    Stop Burning Out!
    2025/01/15
    Full shownotes at https://www.luisfelipeduque.com/podcast Ready to master professional boundaries in engineering? In this power-packed episode of Engineering Our Future, we break down the essential strategies every engineer needs to set and maintain healthy work boundaries. As someone who's navigated both consulting and leadership roles, we know firsthand that boundary-setting can make or break your engineering career. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or launching your consulting practice, you'll discover tested techniques for creating unshakeable work-life boundaries without sacrificing your professional impact. We share our proven framework for communicating boundaries effectively, plus real examples from our engineering journeys that you can implement immediately. Join us as we explore how to build a sustainable engineering career while maintaining strong professional relationships - all through the power of strategic boundary-setting. Detailed Content Sections [00:00:00] Introduction - Setting the stage for boundary discussions in engineering careers [00:09:57] Understanding Boundaries - Exploring different types of professional boundaries [00:21:33] Communication Strategies - How to effectively communicate your boundaries [00:26:56] Team Dynamics - Balancing individual boundaries with team needs [00:30:02] Setting Boundaries Framework - Three-step process for establishing boundaries [00:33:34] Work-Life Integration - Managing boundaries in consulting environments [00:37:20] Final Thoughts - Implementing boundaries while maintaining professional growth Key Insights and Takeaways "Boundaries are really taking care of ourselves. But in order to set boundaries, we need to know about ourselves." Main Lessons Learned: Effective boundaries require clear communication and consistencyDifferent career phases may require different boundary approachesTeam success and personal boundaries can coexist harmoniously Action Items for Listeners: Define your non-negotiable boundariesSchedule a boundary-setting discussion with your supervisorCreate a system for maintaining consistent boundariesDevelop strategies for communicating boundary adjustments Resources Mentioned: Engineering Our Future Newsletter: [luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter](http://luisfelipeduque.com/newsletter)Contact Information: [luisfelipeduque.com/contact](http://luisfelipeduque.com/contact) Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    39 分
  • How to Master the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback as an Engineer

    How to Master the Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback as an Engineer
    2024/12/18

    In this episode, we explore how engineers can get better at giving and receiving feedback at work. We share real stories about both successes and failures in our careers, showing how feedback helped us grow. Our hosts share their personal experiences and the lessons they learned along the way. You'll learn practical tips and examples that will help you handle feedback better in your engineering career. Whether you've been an engineer for years or are just starting out, this episode will help you use feedback to become better at your job.

    "Feedback is a two-way street - both giving and receiving require practice."

    Timeline:

    00:00:00 - Welcome and introduction 00:00:14 - Discussion about new team member and handling feedback 00:01:52 - Addressing negative feedback and learning from mistakes 00:04:30 - Personal experience with feedback struggles 00:09:00 - Importance of owning mistakes and team leadership 00:17:00 - Creating psychological safety in teams 00:23:00 - Role of engineers in society and responsibility 00:26:00 - Supervisors' role in feedback culture 00:30:31 - Episode summary and key takeaways

    Watch it: https://youtu.be/MJuYVeoxZh8

    Lessons and Takeaways

    Start tracking feedback: Begin a feedback journal to document both positive and negative feedback you receive. Reflect on it regularly to identify patterns and areas for growth.

    Practice active listening: During your next feedback session, focus on truly understanding the other person's perspective without interrupting. Summarize their points to ensure clarity.

    Create a safe environment: Build trust in your team by fostering psychological safety where everyone feels comfortable sharing honest feedback without fear.

    Own your mistakes: When receiving feedback about errors, take responsibility and outline clear steps to prevent similar issues in the future.

    Adopt the "we" mindset: Frame feedback in a collaborative way by focusing on team solutions and shared goals rather than assigning blame.

    "Take time to process feedback before responding."

    Take Action:

    Start a feedback journal this week

    Practice active listening in your next feedback session

    Schedule regular reflection time for both successes and areas for improvement

    Links and References

    Master Your End-of-Year Goal Planning: A Guide for Engineering Professionals



    Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    35 分
  • Strategic Goal Planning for Engineers

    Strategic Goal Planning for Engineers
    2024/12/11

    In this powerful episode on end-of-year goal planning, we dive deep into a four-step framework that transforms abstract ambitions into achievable outcomes. Join us as we explore how to create meaningful goals that align with your life's mission while maintaining the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    [00:00:14] Introduction to goal setting and reflection on 2024

    [00:03:01] The importance of celebrating progress

    [00:08:00] Framework for identifying meaningful goals

    [00:15:03] Understanding and bridging gaps in goal achievement

    [00:20:46] Creating an effective game plan

    Lessons Learned

    Simplicity is key - complex systems often lead to abandonment

    Goals should have emotional resonance to maintain momentum

    Regular review and adjustment periods are crucial for long-term success

    The power of "just-in-time" goal setting for maintaining relevance

    Main Takeaways

    "Even if I did 80% of the goal and still failed, 80% is a lot." - This powerful quote reminds us that progress, not perfection, should be our focus.

    The four-step framework:

    Celebrate Progress

    Identify Goals

    Analyze Gaps

    Create Game Plan

    Take Action

    Start your "wins folder" today - create a dedicated space for tracking achievements

    Define your life categories and identify one goal for each

    Schedule monthly review sessions for 2025 to maintain momentum

    Keep it simple - begin with no more than three concurrent goals



    Get full access to Engineering our Future at engineeringourfuture.substack.com/subscribe
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    30 分